CBS Sports
Chris McCullough has been an honorary member of Orange Nation since November when he verbally committed to join Jim Boeheim’s squad.
The 6‚Äô9‚Äù forward from Brewster Academy would potentially step into the SU rotation in ’14, after C.J. Fair¬†graduates. The two are similar in size. Fair is 6‚Äô8‚Äù 215 pounds and McCullough is 6’9″, 210 pounds. Both went to Brewster Academy. But CM’s has a far higher ceiling than Fair. McCullough is one of the most sought after recruits in the nation.¬†He is the fourth best recruit at the power forward position, he‚Äôs ranked second in his region, and he‚Äôs listed as the No. 1 player in New York. He had offers from elite programs like Kansas, Indiana, and Louisville.
Syracuse fans know Boeheim isn‚Äôt one to start freshmen. He likes them to sit back, and watch and learn his system. And it’s too early to tell what SU’s roster would look like IF McCullough signed with the Orange. But college¬†expectations are high for McCullough.¬†He made his verbal early, indicating how strong his interest is in SU.¬†He has the size, mobility, speed, and athleticism that will likely translate well to next level.¬†With McCullough‚Äôs skill, size, talent, he appears to be the type of player to have a big role as a freshman wherever he decides,¬†He‚Äôs a five-star ESPN recruit and scouts give him a 94 out of 100 score.
The kid can fly and he‚Äôs very athletic. He can shoot from the similar spots as Fair, but nobody should be surprised when he takes off through the air. He can play above the rim. A ’14-’15 lineup that included Tyler Ennis at point guard, upperclassmen DaJuan Coleman and Rakeem Christmas, plus Jerami Grant, Trevor Cooney, BJ Johnson, Tyler Roberson, Rob Patterson and Chino Obokoh would have some serious depth.
But that’s still more than a year away. All eyes are on McCullough as he enters his senior season. Hopefully for Orange fans, down the road he’ll be high-flying at the Dome, looking even better than Fair.
Programming note: McCullough will join Fizz Radio Saturday from 9-10 a.m. on The Score 1260.
Posted: Austin Pollack
